Fossil Ammonite
Cleoniceras sp.
Silver Iridescent
Cleoniceras sp. - Silver Iridescent Fossil Ammonite
Quick Facts
Mineral Name: Calcite / Aragonite (Original Shell Material) with various mineral infills
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate)
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Hardness (Mohs Scale): 3 (Calcite) to 3.5-4 (Aragonite)
Primary Source: Ambatolafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
What is a Silver Iridescent Cleoniceras?
This particular Cleoniceras specimen is a stunning example of a fossil ammonite from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period (approx. 110 million years ago), specifically from the Ambatolafia region of Madagascar. What distinguishes this specimen is the remarkable preservation of its nacreous (mother-of-pearl) layer, which, when polished, exhibits a predominant silver iridescence. This phenomenon, often referred to as "ammolite," is due to the diffraction of light through the microscopic layers of aragonite that made up the original shell, even though the bulk of the fossil may now be calcite.
Composition & Appearance
Color: While other iridescent ammonites can display a full spectrum, this specific variety is characterized by a dominant silver to white iridescence, sometimes with subtle undertones of pale blues or greens. The underlying fossil material will be shades of grey, brown, or cream.
Crystal Habit: The fossil faithfully preserves the classic planispiral (flat spiral) coiling of the ammonite shell. Polishing not only brings out the iridescence but also often reveals the intricate suture patterns unique to the Cleoniceras genus.
Luster: Highly pearly and iridescent, creating a shimmering, metallic-like silver sheen that shifts with the angle of light.
Key Characteristics: The defining feature is the striking silver iridescence, which can be quite rare compared to the more commonly seen red/green ammolite. The preservation of this delicate nacreous layer over millions of years is a geological marvel. The symmetrical coiling and detailed suture lines remain characteristic of the Cleoniceras genus.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical and crystal healing beliefs, not scientific study.)
Associated Chakras: Root (Muladhara) & Crown (Sahasrara)
The silver iridescence of this Cleoniceras connects it deeply to both grounding and higher spiritual energies. It is associated with the Root Chakra for stability and a connection to ancient Earth wisdom, while the shimmering silver also resonates with the Crown Chakra, symbolizing divine light, cosmic consciousness, and purity.
Natural Element: Earth & Water (with an emphasis on Aether/Spirit due to iridescence)
These fossils embody the grounding Earth and fluid Water elements, reflecting their ancient marine origins. However, the unique silver iridescence introduces an aspect of the Aether or Spirit element, symbolizing the ethereal, the mysterious, and a connection to higher vibrations and universal energy.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer & Aquarius
The silver iridescent Cleoniceras resonates particularly well with Cancer, enhancing intuition, emotional clarity, and connection to lunar energies. It also aligns with Aquarius, fostering insights into ancient mysteries, spiritual evolution, and innovative thought. It can be beneficial for anyone seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with earthly understanding.
Quick Facts
Mineral Name: Calcite / Aragonite (Original Shell Material) with various mineral infills
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate)
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Hardness (Mohs Scale): 3 (Calcite) to 3.5-4 (Aragonite)
Primary Source: Ambatolafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
What is a Silver Iridescent Cleoniceras?
This particular Cleoniceras specimen is a stunning example of a fossil ammonite from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period (approx. 110 million years ago), specifically from the Ambatolafia region of Madagascar. What distinguishes this specimen is the remarkable preservation of its nacreous (mother-of-pearl) layer, which, when polished, exhibits a predominant silver iridescence. This phenomenon, often referred to as "ammolite," is due to the diffraction of light through the microscopic layers of aragonite that made up the original shell, even though the bulk of the fossil may now be calcite.
Composition & Appearance
Color: While other iridescent ammonites can display a full spectrum, this specific variety is characterized by a dominant silver to white iridescence, sometimes with subtle undertones of pale blues or greens. The underlying fossil material will be shades of grey, brown, or cream.
Crystal Habit: The fossil faithfully preserves the classic planispiral (flat spiral) coiling of the ammonite shell. Polishing not only brings out the iridescence but also often reveals the intricate suture patterns unique to the Cleoniceras genus.
Luster: Highly pearly and iridescent, creating a shimmering, metallic-like silver sheen that shifts with the angle of light.
Key Characteristics: The defining feature is the striking silver iridescence, which can be quite rare compared to the more commonly seen red/green ammolite. The preservation of this delicate nacreous layer over millions of years is a geological marvel. The symmetrical coiling and detailed suture lines remain characteristic of the Cleoniceras genus.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical and crystal healing beliefs, not scientific study.)
Associated Chakras: Root (Muladhara) & Crown (Sahasrara)
The silver iridescence of this Cleoniceras connects it deeply to both grounding and higher spiritual energies. It is associated with the Root Chakra for stability and a connection to ancient Earth wisdom, while the shimmering silver also resonates with the Crown Chakra, symbolizing divine light, cosmic consciousness, and purity.
Natural Element: Earth & Water (with an emphasis on Aether/Spirit due to iridescence)
These fossils embody the grounding Earth and fluid Water elements, reflecting their ancient marine origins. However, the unique silver iridescence introduces an aspect of the Aether or Spirit element, symbolizing the ethereal, the mysterious, and a connection to higher vibrations and universal energy.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer & Aquarius
The silver iridescent Cleoniceras resonates particularly well with Cancer, enhancing intuition, emotional clarity, and connection to lunar energies. It also aligns with Aquarius, fostering insights into ancient mysteries, spiritual evolution, and innovative thought. It can be beneficial for anyone seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with earthly understanding.
